Israeli missiles hit Iran in retaliatory strike, first confrontation since April 8 ceasefire

PTC News Desk: Explosions were reported in several Iranian cities, including the capital Tehran, after Israel said it had carried out strikes on military targets. The attacks took place despite US President Donald Trump claiming he was directing developments in the region and had urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu not to respond to Tehran's recent missile attacks.

The strikes followed a sharp escalation in tensions between Iran and Israel after Tehran launched missiles at Israel on Sunday night, marking the first direct military confrontation between the two countries since the April 8 ceasefire. Iran said its missile barrage was retaliation for alleged Israeli attacks on Beirut. Iranian media reported explosions in Tehran, including areas near Mehrabad International Airport, as well as in the cities of Isfahan and Tabriz.

Earlier, Iran had fired 10 ballistic missiles toward northern Israel, setting off air-raid sirens across the region. The move came amid growing hostilities after what Tehran described as Israeli aggression in Lebanon, particularly recent strikes on Beirut.

Lebanon has emerged as a key factor in the latest crisis. Iranian officials have repeatedly insisted that Israeli military operations in Lebanon must cease and have linked the issue to any future ceasefire arrangement or broader negotiations involving the United States and Iran.

The renewed conflict has also rattled global markets, pushing oil prices up by more than $2 per barrel and adding further uncertainty to ongoing diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran.